In the mid-1960s, Ford and Carroll Shelby began thinking about an eventual successor to the AC Cobra. A couple of prototypes were built, but when Ford and Shelby parted company, those plans would be shelved for nearly 20 years. But the concept would re-emerge in the 1980s and eventually would result in as many as 12 total cars, named initially after Alvin Kelly, who restarted the effort. The seller has managed to secure one of these rarities and it’s said to remain in turnkey condition. Located in a garage alongside a Rolls-Royce in Mission Lakes, Arizona, this seldom-seen sports car is available here on craigslist for $160,000 (interesting trades considered). Our thanks to T.J. for finding this cool machine for us!
The Python was built on a reinforced Ford Mustang frame with a shortened wheelbase to achieve a 55:45 weight ratio. Because the plan was to sell these vehicles through Ford dealers, they came equipped with standard Mustang equipment and some options that may have been unique to the Python. Unfortunately, Kelly’s company would run into financial trouble, and the output of the cars stopped at 12, so these autos were considered prototypes.
Today, only seven of these machines are known to exist, including this one on dollies in Arizona. While we understand that each of them has a Carroll Shelby-signed plaque on the dashboard, this is thought to be the only one done in brass. How the seller came to own this car is unknown, but it’s said to be the first prototype built and tested, and it was the last one registered. We’re told it runs but doesn’t appear to get out of the garage very often. No photos of the interior or engine compartment are provided.
Hmmm, never knew about this one. Mustang-based, so I imagine this probably has a 5.0L V8? Maybe a 5-speed? I noticed the late 80’s T-Bird taillamps; a give-away to it’s Ford roots. Interesting!~
I notice that it said it was a V8 on CL so I googled 1990 Mustang engines and found that Ford used a 302 that year (I would imagine it was the HO version with 225 HP). Not sure of the transmission, but, since it was going to be a sports car, likely it was the 5-spd. Of course this is pure speculation on my part and could be 100% wrong.
The Lotus badge looks like the ones put on Isuzu’s.
This car looks ugly and cheap looking. I wouldn’t pay $1,600
let alone $160,000. Rare doesn’t always mean worth big
bucks. Someone else can have this ugly thing ! 🤢🤢🤮
I don’t think the value lies in the looks. I think the association with the Shelby name adds value. How much value, though? Your guess is as good as mine.
@Big Al,,, don’t candy coat it brother, tell us how you really feel.
Have fun
Appears to be the same one offered on Palm Springs CL (https://www.rcnmag.com/fresh-finds/blue-oval-oddity-kelly-python-prototype) back in 2021. When it was listed for $35,000….
Sure Does, Same Plate Also
You beat me to it.
Someone is cracked out of their mind to ask $160k. For $35k…well, it is interesting, and the mechanicals being stock it should be easy enough to take care of. I’d give it a thought at $35k. That Lotus handling badge off an Isuzu is a joke, and makes me wonder what kind of weirdo did that, and if I want a car cared for by said weirdo.
VIN comes back as a 1990 Mustang convertible, easily spotted by dash and windscreen frame.
Good luck with sale, but think the decimal point is off.
Nobody is going to call it pretty, but the look is easier to understand if you google “Ford Python.” Images of the original Ford/Shelby prototype come up. It’s clear that they tried to translate the original design to the Mustang chassis. Tried, and failed. They should have taken a different direction. Speaking of the Mustang chassis, it wasn’t just shortened, it was altered. The dash-to-axle distance was increased at the front, while the door-to-axle distance was decreased at the rear. No wonder the project never got off the ground with expensive modifications
Let’s see $165,000 for this unknown thing or $123,500 for 2012 Ferrari FF with 30k miles I think I’ll get the Ferrari
I’d have to call it “Monty”…
“And now for something completely different”
Not a python. I think they turned it into a newt.
The front end wreaks of Corvette styling, and the rear end resembles a Caprice rear end. Not a keeper for me.
1984-1986 Thunderbird tail lights
85-86 tails.
No interior or engine pics, no real spec’s. Nobody in his right mind would give that kind of money for basically for a altered Mustang. Oh if it said Porsche on like a 356 people would be all over it. No accounting for taste
Looks alot like one BF did a couple of years ago: https://barnfinds.com/cobra-successor-1994-kelly-python-prototype/
also an interesting Motor trend article (The article car in red shows a brass namplate): https://www.motortrend.com/features/1503-kellys-1990-python-is-not-a-kit-car/
I think a different color and different wheels would help, but still overpriced, and not great photos. GLWS.
If shelby walked away you can to. Danny
TLK: Loved your spelling error! Or was that intentional? reeks/wreaks
Cool car the stout Ford 302 will provide a fun ride.
It looks like a mustang that’s trying to pass a turd
I doubt this turd could pass a turd without a strong tailwind.
A turd trying to pass as a mustang 🤣
Knowing and seeing what Mr. Shelby put his name on throughout his monumental career… I can’t associate him with this design concept. To me the “badge”, if genuine, holds the most value in this car. I simply have too much respect for Mr. Shelby to align him with this “project”. Putting a Ferrari marquee on a Fiat doesn’t make a Ferrari. Sorry.
The current owner bought the “Shelby” hype and over paid. Because it was so easy for him, he thinks somebody else will let him take profit and be happy with an expensive Shelby prototype. I hope he doesn’t read our take on this.
Sux
Craigslist???
Belongs next to my fugly Bradley GT
not alota pic around? Got that ’80s straight lines vibe – that returned then, last seen in early 60s, pre ‘muscle’. Wanna proper shot or 3 to geta good look at it.
more info:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Python_(Ford_prototype)
Advertising a $160,000 car on Craigslist? I can imagine what the car’s owner might be thinking:
So where do I advertise a car like the Python? What about Hemmings? Serious buyers read HMN, but will also know this car isn’t worth anywhere close to my asking price. So I guess I can save a couple of hundred Dollars and place a free ad in Craigslist, and hope I find another wealthy [but clueless] buyer willing to spend $160,000.
And of note: If the title says Ford convertible and the VIN identifies it as a Mustang, it’s a Ford Mustang with modifications.
Take a look at the Motor Trend article listed above and some of the other links and it appears that it has been advertised from the same storage space for under $50k in the last couple of years!!!!🤣